“Scan initiated,” said Wokoma. The map depopulated momentarily as they waited for it to update with the latest telemetry. The star, the planets, and the base came back almost instantly. A moment later, a large red icon next to the base also appeared, then a second and third. Another four, mid-system, appeared as well.

“This isn’t as undefended as we’d been led to believe,” said Harding.

“No, I don’t believe it is,” agreed Chase.

This was not good news. They would have a very hard time getting aboard the outpost with that much defence.

“We’re gonna have to go with a long-range strike,” said Harding.

The map updated. Several smaller red dots could now be seen. The blue dot indicating the probe fizzled out.

“Probe has self-destructed. No signs it was detected,” Wokoma reported.

“Very good,” said Harding. “Captain, suggestion?”

Chase responded, “We could use the jump drive to launch a torpedo from orbit and jump back to our current position once we’ve confirmed a hit.”

Harding thought on this. “Or we can fire a barrage from the system’s edge. By the time these ships close in on us, we could be away.”

“There’s no guarantee any of the torpedoes would make it through,” said Chase.

“That’s just as true if we get up close, and we’ll have a much harder time getting out of there quickly,” said Harding.

Chase wanted to argue his point, but she was his captain, and they were on the bridge. It was her call.

“Warren,” said Chase, “we’ll make ready for attack.”

“Thank you, Mr Chase,” said Harding.

Chase hit the nearest comm panel. “This is the XO, Docking bay, bridge. All pilots to your fighters. Prepare for launch,” said Chase.

Chase studied the display. There was a planetoid on the edge of the system. They could come in slow and shouldn’t be detected.

“What about here?” he suggested.

Harding looked at where he was pointing. “We can initiate a volley and withdraw at sub-light speeds. We’ll be close enough to know if the strike was a success, but not close enough to immediately set off their sensors.”

Harding studied the positions. “I was thinking over here,” she said, indicating the asteroid belt. “We should be getting enough coverage from the rocks to keep us off their sensors.”

“That works as well,” agreed Chase.

“Wokoma,” he called. “Lay in course.”

“Course confirmed,” she replied.

“Keep the fighters on board for now,” said Harding.

“Very good, Captain,” replied Chase. “They can be in the air at a moment’s notice.”

They came into the system, and the facility was magnified over the forward viewing port. There were entire wings of fighters in the vicinity.

“They’ve got that thing locked up pretty tight,” said Harding.

Chase analysed the latest telemetry. “It looks like they’re expanding the facility. The compartment at the top right seems new. It wasn’t on the long-range surveillance images.”

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Harding confirmed, “We’ve got to take it out.” She moved over to the tactical display. “Winter, I want you to fire a spread of torpedoes, directly targeting the facility, and then a second spread at the closest ship to keep them guessing.”

She turned to Wokoma. “The moment the second spread is away, take us at best possible sub-light speed to the edge of the system.”

“Yes, Captain,” replied Wokoma.

“Aye, Captain,” said Winter.

Harding walked back to the command chair. “Fire torpedoes,” she ordered.

Six bright orange flashes tumbled across the forward viewport, followed a moment later by another six. Without missing a beat, Wokoma engaged the engines and brought the Trafalgar about, heading out of the system. Chase watched the tactical display. The torpedoes were not indicated on the hologram, but he could see from Winter’s station that they were closing in on their targets.

“Any sign the hostiles have detected us yet?” asked Harding.

“Still in the clear,” replied Winter. That was a good sign at least. As long as they hadn’t seen them, there was still a chance the missiles would take out their targets.

“Torpedoes at 10,000 km,” called Winter. They were right on top of them. “5,000 km,” she said. The station was still magnified over the Trafalgar’s current heading. “2,000 km.”

The enemy ships on the holographic display were now breaking formation, some closing in on the base, others moving out to defend the system. On the screen, Chase now saw four torpedoes closing in on the station. Two had already been taken out. One of the enemy fighters moved in and intercepted a torpedo, but was taken out in the process. A larger ship closed in and shot down the other three with compressed energy weapons.

“All torpedoes have been destroyed, Captain,” Winter reported. “None made it to the target.”

“Dammit,” Harding muttered, though only Chase was close enough to hear this.

A proximity alert sounded.

“Captain, we’re detected!” Winter called, alarm rising in her voice. “Three hostile ships are moving this way!”

“Captain, if you want to carry out an alternative plan, we have to act now,” Chase said quietly.

“Very well,” said Harding, as she got to her feet, and walked over to the helm. “We’re preparing to jump to the drop site.” She turned to look back to look at Chase,

“Very good, Captain,” acknowledged Chase. “Winter, you’re up,” he added. The mood on the bridge darkened.

In the shuttle bay, Chase prepped Shuttle One with Winter. A squad of Marines joined them. The large cargo door opened. Chase looked through the blue glow of the force field out into the void. The tannoy announcement sounded: “All hands, prepare for Imminent jump.” It was Harding’s voice. Sitting in the shuttle cockpit, Chase firmly gripped his chair’s armrest. There was a vomit bag in the forward compartment, but he had been through enough of these that he hoped it wouldn’t be necessary.